Jonathan Spadt steps down from Lower Pottsgrove commissioners; James Vlahos may replace him

Bruce Foltz, right, chairman of the Lower Pottsgrove Board of Commissioners, reads from a plaque of appreciation for Commissioner Jonathan Spadt, left, whose resignation was accepted Tuesday after nine years of service. (Photo by Evan Brandt/The Mercury)

LOWER POTTSGROVE — The resignation of township commissioner Jonathan Spadt, who stepped down after nine years of service, was unanimously accepted Monday and the board is poised to replace him with former Pottstown borough councilman James Vlahos.

Spadt has been on the board since 2005 and served as board president from 2010 to 2013 and vice president from 2008 to 2010.

In his letter of resignation, which was read aloud by board President Bruce Foltz, Spadt wrote that the success of his law firm, and the added work that comes with it, along with family considerations made it necessary for him to resign.

Spadt thanked the commissioners and staff for their well wishes and said he felt confident he was leaving the township in good hands, singling out Township Manager Ed Wagner and Police Chief Mike Foltz for particular praise.

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“I’ve been thinking about this a lot today,” Spadt said after receiving a plaque thanking him for his service.

Noticing that former township manager Rod Hawthorne, who resigned last year, was in the audience, Spadt said, “I was remembering some of the things Rod said at his last meeting and he really reflected on the people, and this is what it’s all about.”

Commissioner James Kaiser thanked Spadt for his “guidance.”

Commissioner Stephen Klotz in particular thanked Spadt for his leadership on the police committee.

“I think we have the police force we have now because of the goals you had on that committee,” Klotz said, adding, “you’re leaving for the right reasons, your family and your business.”

“I’ve worked with you, I’ve worked for you and I’ve fought against you,” Foltz said with a smile, “but I also learned a lot from you.”

Some of those fault lines were evident in the recent election cycle when incumbent Michael J. McGroaty lost the Republican ballot line in last year’s primary election to Shawn Watson, who was subsequently elected last November.

About the Author

Evan Brandt has worked for The Mercury since November 1997. His beat includes Pottstown, the surrounding townships and the Pottstown and Pottsgrove school districts, as well as other varied general topics like politics, the environment and education. Reach the author at ebrandt@pottsmerc.com
or follow Evan on Twitter: @PottstownNews.